FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The legalization of marijuana, also known as “Measure 5,” is one of the key topics in the upcoming North Dakota election.
Patrick Finken, Chairman of the Brighter Future Alliance expressed his concerns for legalizing cannabis.
“Well marijuana is not safe, today’s marijuana is ten times more powerful than the weed of the sixties,” said Finken.
Other concerns are how addictive the drug can be. Kristie Spooner, a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, fears it could create significant problems for people who overuse it.
“My greatest concern is that there’s a message out there that marijuana is a harmless substance, and we know clearly that it is a very highly addictive substance” said Spooner.
On the other hand, Steve Bakken, Chairman of the Sponsor Committee foresees financial benefits for the state.
“We put together an initiative measure and the language is very constrictive, very conservative, and gives all the power to the state,” said Bakken.
The law would give the state the power to regulate the marijuana industry.
“The state has the ability to license, regulate, and if they so choose, tax. There is a lot of financial benefit for the state of North Dakota,” said Bakken.
In 2022, about 45 percent voted in favor of Measure 5.
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